Press Release

What is Smart Manufacturing?

Thursday, March 15, 2018

Title: What is Smart Manufacturing?

Publish date: 15/3/2018

Post:

Smart manufacturing is really all about data. It’s about collecting and using accurate data to make good decisions quickly to allow for slick, efficient and flexible manufacturing which can adapt to sudden changes in demand or circumstances. Heavily automated processes require a constant stream of data to make decisions and adjustments so that data has to come from accurate measurements using equipment which is flexible enough to still be useful if the process needs to change. Using machine learning algorithms, smart manufacturing operations can constantly improve and streamline their processes.

Gathering Data

How data is captured, processed and used is really what is smart about smart manufacturing. Data is gathered at every stage of every process so accurate metrology is vital. The data is monitored and analysed to make sure every part of the process is as efficient as possible and collecting all of this data together to look at the entire value chain enables identification of areas which can be streamlined. Having such a detailed and interconnected overview of the whole manufacturing process allows for adaptions to be made when changes take place.

Manufacturing Flexibility

With the current demand for customisation and the need for manufacturers to be able to accommodate sudden changes in trends, smart manufacturing systems have to be flexible enough to change quickly. Using measuring devices which are as flexible and adaptable as the systems themselves allows for these changes to take place and the data they collect can be analysed to make sure the changes are having the desired effect or the new processes are as efficient as possible.

Efficiency Gains

Smart manufacturing and automation in general is all about efficiency but it is impossible to create ultra-efficient processes if the equipment you are using to collect the data that the whole system is so reliant on isn’t efficient or is difficult to integrate with other data-gathering equipment. That’s why Solartron’s sensors and probes are so suitable for smart manufacturing because they’re highly accurate, efficient and easy to operate. Using the Orbit Digital Measurement Network, our sensors and others can be used together to produce meaningful and easy to access data.

Process Visibility

It isn’t all about machines using this data, however. The constant monitoring and analysing at every stage of the manufacturing process gives operators great insights into what is really happening during each process and gets to the root causes of problems in real time. By allowing workers to see exactly what is going on at each stage and reporting it live to an easily accessible device, managers can make decisions instantly based on reliable data.

With accuracy and accessibility being so vital in smart manufacturing, Solartron’s measuring devices and systems are ideally suited to taking fast accurate measurements but adaptable enough to cope with process changes. We offer a wide range of equipment to suit all industries and operations. Our expert sales team are on hand to speak to you about all of our products and how you could get the best out of them for your operation. Call +44 (0)1243 833333 or email sales.solartronmetrology@ametek.com.